Sustainability at heart of Tall Ships 2023

Published Thursday, 6th April 2023

Hundreds of thousands of visitors will descend upon Hartlepool this summer when the town hosts the world famous Tall Ships Races, and organisers are determined that the event will be as sustainable and environmentally-friendly as possible.

Hartlepool Borough Council has developed a Sustainability Policy to guide activities leading up to and during the four-day event from July 6th-9th.

The policy is based on four key commitments:

  • To reduce the impact of the event/prevent damage to the environment.
  • To embed sustainability in all decision-making processes and actions.
  • To support local businesses.
  • To promote awareness of sustainability through the event.

Event Director Cath Honey said: “With so many visitors expected, we are fully aware of the potential impact on the town, the five-acre waterfront event site, people and the environment generally.

“The policy aims to identify and address potential issues, encourage sustainable practices by all event participants - from partners and Council staff to volunteers and visitors – and prioritise full accessibility and inclusion.”

In a boost for the event’s sustainability agenda, one of the largest Class A vessels signed up, Statsraad Lehmkuhl, has recently travelled the world, using advanced scientific equipment to gather information about the world’s oceans and how humans affect them.

As part of its sustainability drive, the Council has set out ten objectives which it aims to achieve:

  • Reduce energy and carbon intensity.
  • Limit water consumption and waste.
  • Promote sustainable and active travel.
  • Reduce plastic use.
  • Source services/products locally and support local businesses.
  • Implement the waste hierarchy based on the five principles of prevention, re-use, recycle, recover and disposal.
  • Achieve 100% material separation of waste to encourage the re-purposing of recyclable waste and minimise the amount of material sent to landfill.
  • Raise awareness of sustainability issues.
  • Promote accessibility and inclusion through adoption of an inclusivity plan.
  • Promoting diversity, inclusion and fair working conditions.

Cath Honey added: “Excitement is really building as the event approaches, and it’s going to be a fantastic occasion. We are placing sustainability at the heart of the event and we hope people will support us in our aims.”

More information about the event is available at www.tallshipshartlepool2023.co.uk